By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Living wisely
Proverbs 14:8–15
Prudent (8, 15)
The wisdom of the prudent or sensible is not the wisdom of the learned. The term “prudence” indicates the mental capacity to formulate a plan. It can refer to selfish scheming and trickery. In verse 8, the term describes a person who takes the time to learn the situation and plan a realistic course of action for that situation.
Wisdom is the righteous application of true knowledge. Head knowledge is insufficient without the Spirit’s application to the inward man. The sensible person is one who examines his or her lifestyle and experiences, learns from failure and corrects those mistakes so they do not continue reaping unwise results.
The fool is someone with no moral restraint, one who cannot come up with logical moral conclusions. The stupidity of fools affects every aspect of a person’s life, including his or her speech, morality, work ethic and daily life. The foolish person deceives himself to such a degree that he can no longer recognize wisdom when he sees it. The foolish person examines situations and consistently reaches the wrong conclusions.
Verses 8 and 15 form a chiastic pair, meaning they deal with similar or even the same words or ideas but in reverse order. These two verses contrast sensible and foolish people. In verse 15, the “inexperienced one” is the person who is easily deceived. The gullibility of the inexperienced one is often the result of laziness or an unwillingness to learn rather than a product of the person’s age. In contrast to the inexperienced, the “sensible one” watches his steps very carefully. He is thoughtful and vigilant as he makes decisions in life.
Content (9, 14)
“Reparation” refers to a guilt offering in the Old Testament sacrificial system. The guilt offering required a sacrifice to God as well as restitution to the victim by the one who committed the sin. When a person’s sinful act resulted in another person’s loss, the guilty party was required to repay the amount of the loss plus an additional 20%.
Fools are so selfish that they will not obey God with the appropriate restitution to the person they have damaged. Fools do not care about anyone but themselves. They are not concerned in the least about their accountability to God or to others.
The “upright” are in right standing with God. They realize their covenant relationship with God places them in a covenant relationship with God’s people.
In verse 14, the “disloyal one” is a person whose heart turns back; a person who has chosen to abandon his commitment to live according to a covenant. The disloyal believe they can sin without having to face any consequences personally. However, apart from God’s mercy, all sinners receive what their conduct deserves.
The upright is the “good one” in verse 14. As he or she lives in covenant with God and with others, God will bless him or her. Obeying God’s commands and following God’s wisdom leads to contentment.
Joyful (10, 13)
Often a disconnect exists between outward appearance and inner reality. Happiness is a result of a person’s circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, is a choice a person makes based on faith in God’s future grace.
This joy is produced by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. No one knows the inner life of another’s heart, and the appearance of happiness can be deceptive.
Thriving (11–12)
These verses form the core of Solomon’s message in this passage. When a person chooses the way of wickedness in life, destruction is the only possible destiny.
The way of wickedness may appear enticing to the fool who can no longer discern right from wrong, but the result will only be death.
The way of the upright, however, will flourish. The righteous person will experience success in God’s eyes, not in the eyes of the world.
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